Cesc Fabregas has risked the wrath of Barcelona fans after refusing to rule out the possibility of managing bitter rivals Real Madrid in the future. The 39-year-old former Barcelona and Chelsea midfielder has won admirers for his outstanding work at Como, leading the Serie A side to unprecedented success.
Fabregas's Success at Como
Fabregas led Como to promotion from Serie B in 2024, and the club finished ninth in their return to Serie A last season – their best finish since 1987. This term, the team has continued to rise, securing European qualification for the first time ever after a tight 1-0 victory over Hellas Verona at the weekend. The win guarantees a spot in next year's Europa Conference League, and with two league matches remaining, Como could still leapfrog Roma and AC Milan, who sit just two points above sixth-placed Como, to reach the Champions League.
Fabregas's Managerial Ambitions
In a wide-ranging interview with Cadena COPE, Fabregas was asked by presenter Juanma Castano about potential red lines in his career, specifically whether he could manage Real Madrid. Fabregas replied: 'I don't have a red line. One red line, and I've been very clear about this from the beginning, is that I wouldn't want to be an assistant, for example. I'm clear that I want to be a head coach. The other thing [the possibility of Real Madrid]? I haven't even thought about it or considered it. I haven't had time for anything.'
Despite his comments, Fabregas remains fully committed to Como, where he became a shareholder and part-owner when joining as a player in 2022. He explained: 'I saw a project, I saw an opportunity, not only to finish playing football, but to start doing what I was already beginning to love more than playing, which was coaching. I'm the one who makes the signings, I am a shareholder of the club.'
Links to Chelsea and Other Clubs
Fabregas's exploits have attracted attention from top clubs, including Barcelona and managerless Chelsea. However, he has been keen to distance himself from rumours, focusing on Como's campaign. Former Chelsea defender Glen Johnson encouraged Chelsea to pursue Fabregas, noting his Premier League experience and knowledge of the club. Johnson said: 'Both Andoni Iraola and Cesc Fabregas have credentials, having Premier League experience as a manager is huge whereas Cesc knows the club a lot better and as a former player, would definitely get the players' respect.'
Influence of Arsene Wenger
Fabregas named Arsene Wenger as the manager who made the biggest impact on his career, telling the radio station: 'He believed in me, giving me the opportunity and the confidence.' The 2010 World Cup winner rose through Barcelona's La Masia academy before returning to Camp Nou in 2011, winning six trophies with his boyhood club.
With Chelsea searching for Liam Rosenior's successor, Fabregas remains a candidate, but his immediate future lies with Como as they aim to secure Champions League football.
